Dear editor,

Very saddened by all the trash being dumped on Highway 85 south, past the Cox Bridge. Just keeps getting worse.

And we are not currently in the midst of a current surge in tourists.

More of our folks should take pride in keeping it clean.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Take pride; don't litter

Dear editor,

Sometimes, blended families place their significant other first in priority, to the detriment of their children's well being.

Here are some guidelines to refocus and make a lasting commitment and family life for you, your partner and the children.

•        Spend quality time with each child, including reading nightly with them. Also, take all children on an outing, whether it's to the park, beach or a picnic.

•        Turn off the television and ask how the child's day went at school or preschool.

•Eat dinner together as a family.

•Don't spanka child because he or she feels unwanted at home.

•        Treat your children with respect; they will respond likewise.

•Communicate with your significant other about how each child plays a role in all daily activities.

It is not easy, but children today need guidance, love and more one-on-one time. Give it to them!

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Tips for blended families

Dear editor,

The World Wide Web will be 26 years old in March, which means an entire generation has never known a world without access to the Internet.

This generation takes electronic connectivity for granted, and the rest of us have gradually succumbed to the convenience of online shopping and banking, despite well-publicized security breaches. In today’s smart phone world, the ease and speed of electronic transactions are just too good to pass up.

But what of the public trust? The right to vote is at the foundation of American democracy. Is the franchise ready to meet 21st century technology?

The League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County invites you to find out 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, when Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux will discuss whether we can expect online voter registration — or, perhaps, voting itself — any time in the near future. The meeting will be held in Shalimar Town Hall (2 Cherokee Road, opposite the Post Office). The meeting is free and the public is welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Is it time to vote on the Internet?

Dear editor,

On Jan. 8, a community meeting was held in Baker to address the issue of a substance abuse treatment facility that Exodos Ministries was proposing to locate on property on Buck Ward Road. I attended that meeting, along with about 100 other people who were interested to hear the details and outcome.

"The proposed use of the property on Buck Ward Road would be inconsistent with county zoning," as the media reported, so the substance abuse treatment facility is a moot subject. However, I am writing to express my concern about what is evidently a misconception, at least on the part of some individuals.

This pertains to remarks made during the public comments part of the meeting. A woman stood, gave testimony of her experiences with recovering addicts, and insinuated that the proposed treatment facility would be beneficial to Buck Ward Road residents. She backed this up by stating that there are meth labs up and down Buck Ward Road.

I interpret this to mean that she has the notion that there are numerous operators of meth labs, and other substance abuse addicts living along Buck Ward Road. I am concerned that the other attendees who heard the woman’s disparaging remarks may actually believe them.

The woman’s comments and innuendos are most insulting to the road's law-abiding citizens. I am not aware, nor is my family, of the existence of meth labs, or any other drug-related places located along Buck Ward Road. If, indeed, the woman has such information and evidence, she should report it to the appropriate authorities without delay.

If, on the other hand, neither such meth labs, nor other drug related places exist, an apology to Buck Ward Road residents is of the highest priority, and should be made public.

 What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Prove allegation or apologize to Baker residents

Dear editor,

Last week, I called Northwood Elementary School about my children, Victoria and Alexandria, going to P.E. in the extreme cold at first period and fourth period. Victoria has epilepsy and Alexandria has asthma.

But one afternoon last week (after calling the school) Victoria got off the bus devastated, crying and screaming.

"Mommy … my friend turned around and asked me why my lips were blue," she said. Blue lips are one indication that she could or is about to go into a seizure.

And it is well-known that cold temperatures are not good for someone who suffers from asthma. Victoria had the sniffles all evening after her P.E. lessons. Other Northwood children might have underlying health issues that are severely affected by the cold.

Tell me, what logical person would send their child out in these temperatures when we have a beautiful gymnasium that could be — and is during rainy days — used for extreme cold weather?

I don't allow my daughters to go out to play in temperatures less than 50 degrees. Children even were made to lay on the freezing cold ground to do calisthenics!

I believe this needs to be brought to light because I'm positive there are not a handful of parents that are aware that their children are being made to exercise in 44 degrees (33 degrees with wind chill) on on Jan. 5 and 41 degrees with wind chill of 35 on Jan. 6.

This was taking our children's lives and health in their hands and putting it in jeopardy!

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Bring P.E. time inside when it's cold outside

Dear editor,

I have a debate. How do two people walk into the city council unopposed?

Funny, how an election cycle more important than a national level one has so little attention. Voting starts locally.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Lack of opposing candidates 'funny'

Dear editor,

I have lived on Buck Ward Road in Baker for 18 years; a quiet single-family neighborhood.

Recently, I constructed four signs and placed them in my front yard. Someone with a truck ran over them. I promptly repaired the signs and added another sign: "PRAY FOR HE WHO DESTROYS SIGNS."

Dec. 10, a group of an estimated 40 people came on my property. Someone came to my door and asked if I knew that a group was on my property singing songs and praying. I said, "No, I did not know."

A couple of days later, I asked neighbors if they knew who the people might be. One said he thought they were from Woodlawn Baptist Church in Crestview.

So I would like to thank Woodlawn Baptist Church's group, or if it was not you, then whoever it was for planning, organizing, traveling and performing such beautiful music and joining in prayer for "he who destroys signs."

It is so wonderful that these fine people in such great number would honor me and my sign for prayer.

Their reverence, as in Matthew 19:19, shows how great our neighbors from afar can be.

So let me be the one who wishes the group a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Thank you for supporting protest sign

Dear editor,

It’s time for New Year’s resolutions, particularly those about our health.

Although gun violence remains the leading cause of death among young people, our most dangerous weapon is still our fork. Forty-five times as many people die of chronic diseases linked to a diet containing animal products, sugar and salt.

Hardly a month goes by without another study linking consumption of animal products with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.

No reputable study has ever shown an opposite result.

But times are changing. Hundreds of schools, colleges, hospitals and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday.

According to a Gallup poll, 22 percent of American consumers are avoiding meat and 12 percent are avoiding dairy products. Harris Interactive claims that 47 percent of American consumers are reducing consumption of animal products.

Accordingly, plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products are growing explosively, propelled by investments from Microsoft, Paypal and Twitters' founders. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Subway and Taco Bell are rolling out vegan options.

Let this New Year’s resolution be about exploring the rich variety of plant-based entrees, lunch meats, cheeses, ice creams and milks in our supermarket.

The internet offers tons of recipes and transition tips.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Eat more vegetables, no meat in 2015

Dear editor,

Why not make a resolution this year to improve your speaking and leadership skills?

For 90 years, Toastmasters International has been empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.

Visiting a club is an exciting first step in reaching your goals. There’s no need to feel pressure to participate at a club meeting — you can simply observe if you wish.

And since every club is unique, it’s OK to visit several clubs before you decide to join the right club for you.

There are six clubs in the Okaloosa-Walton area and three in Pensacola. Crestview Toastmasters meets the second and fourth Tuesday each month, 6-7 p.m. at Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Crestview.

See other locations>>

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Resolution — Improve your speaking skills

Dear editor,

Many Americans tend to be cynical even on Christmas, and understandably so. In the near East, Christians are being persecuted; children are kidnapped and killed or sold into slavery.

In this country, we carry the burden of thousands of babies killed, politicians infighting and general unrest. America is going to hell in a hand basket, some say.

But check out this story!

This week, after giving blood. I was returning home but stopped at the post office to buy some stamps and mail a few cards. One minute I was standing in line. The next, I was waking up on the floor, with a gentle hand on my shoulder and a soft voice asking me not to get up.

Apparently, I passed out.

One earthly angel, Debbie, took time away from her window to sit with me until medics arrived. Those in line waited patiently through the inconvenience. Another angel took my cards, bought the stamps and mailed them.

I have no idea who it was to repay their kindness.

Two patrons were nurses and came by to see if they were needed, and the lady standing next to me waited until I was checked out. She walked me out.

We definitely have problems to deal with in this country, but I still believe people are basically good. Guess the Lord felt we all needed a reminder now.

Merry Christmas, America, and thank you, Lord, for the bright insight.

 What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet us.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Passing out and discovering strangers' kindness